While the withdrawal of the undefeated Gr1 winner Mighty High robbed the Greyville Sunday feature of some of its lustre, the finish of the R150 000 Listed KZN Guineas Trial nevertheless produced an exciting climax, with Varsfontein stallion Gimmethegreenlight again coming out tops.
The grey Stream Ahead looks a promising 3yo in the making.
Craig Zackey (blue cap) drives Stream Ahead out to beat Mark Khan and Thanksgiving (Pic – Gold Circle)
Taking on eight rivals, including his more fancied stablemate Affranchi, he displayed courage and decent ability in a race that could prove the turning point for his 3yo term.
Racing in fourth as Sweet Mary Lou and Affranchi led the way, Stream Ahead had to be briefly taken up by Craig Zackey on the turn. This punctuated his stride but he quickly overcame the hurdle and was in the top quartet of challengers.
With Thanksgiving being unleashed down the outside by Mark Khan with a powerful run, Stream Ahead looked to be relegated to running second.
But Craig Zackey pulled one out of the bag and the Gimmethegreenlight colt rallied smartly at a generous 8-1 to beat Thanksgiving a half length in a time of 98,11 secs.
Recent maiden winner White Lightning came on late for third a further 1,75 lengths back with Affranchi running a modest race.
Deerupt choked up in running and was not persevered with by Anton Marcus.
Bred by Highlands, Stream Ahead was a R275 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale purchase.
He is by Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) out of the three time winner Cool River (Western Winter).
Stream Ahead has won 2 races with 3 places from 8 starts for stakes of R204 975.
